Synopsis:~

When Noah and Josephine Mitchell discover their divorce was never actually finalized, their lives are turned upside down.

Following his divorce, Noah gave up his dream job, settling at a remote horse ranch in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Georgia, putting much-needed distance between himself and the former love of his life. But then Noah gets a letter from the IRS claiming he and Josephine are still married. When he confronts Josephine for the first time in months, they discover that she missed the final step in filing the paperwork and they are, in fact, still married.

Josephine is no happier about the news than Noah. Maybe the failed marriage–and okay, the botched divorce–was her fault, but her heart was shattered right alongside his, more than he would ever believe. The sooner they put this marriage behind them, the better for both of their sakes.

But when Josephine delivers the final paperwork to his ranch, the two become stranded in his cottage during the worst spring snowstorm in a decade. Being trapped with Josephine is a test of Noah’s endurance. He wrestles with resentment and an unmistakable pull to his wife–still beautiful, still brave, and still more intriguing than any woman he’s ever known.

As they find themselves confronted with each other and their shared past, old wounds surface and tempers flare. But when they are forced out into the storm, they must rely on each other in a way they never have before. Josephine finally opens up about her tragic past, and Noah realizes she’s never been loved unconditionally by anyone–including him. Will Noah accept the challenge to pursue Josephine’s heart? And can she finally find the courage to trust Noah?

My take:~

I always approach a Denise Hunter novel with delicious anticipation, knowing the story will be captivating, meaningful, and so romantic! Sweetbriar Cottage is all that and more as Denise delves into a broken marriage, and the shattered hearts and minds of Noah and Josephine. This isn’t the first time Denise has woven a story of forgiveness and sacrifice that reflects God’s love for his children and Jesus’ heart for his bride, the church, but it’s a theme well worth visiting again and again, especially with her deft touch. Josephine’s brokenness is gut-wrenching and Noah’s heartache over an unforgivable betrayal is palpable. Stranded together, this couple confront their attraction, anger, and fear, wondering if unconditional love is something they are able to give and be courageous enough to accept. Denise Hunter always writes more than ‘just a love story’ and I recommend Sweetbriar Cottage with enthusiasm!

With thanks to Thomas Nelson for my review copy

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